New (to me) $runner questions

[tdaggett]

So I just picked up a '99 SR5 Sport for my son. It's in really good shape for its age and 193000 miles, but seems to be down a bit on power and the fuel mileage is low to me (11mpg). Aside from the obvious plugs, filters, oil, tranny fluid replacement, anyone got recommendations of things I can or should do to keep it running another 100 thousand miles?
It's got an aftermarket Injen cold air intake on it that doesnt have a box around the filter end. Isn't there supposed to be a box? You can really hear the intake howling when you get on the gas. It also idles at around 1200 rpm. I assume thats not normal. Any suggestions????

 

[scotts97T4Rltd]

I have 285/75/16 tires on my runner, and i still get 18mpg. The truck should idle around 900rpm. Im guessing you probably have a a vacuum leak somewhere. I would do a compression check to see where you are at on general engine health.

 

[techno]

I get about 11mpg's when I'm in 4Lo on the trails, you certainly have some opportunities for improvement there. I agree on a possible vacuum leak and would also recommend you have a thorough engine clean and tune up. A seafoam treatment would be good considering the mileage, and have the injectors and throttle body cleaned.

If you go onto ebay and search for 96-02 4Runners you will find pictures in some adds of engine bays, that way you can see what the factory intake system should look like and that can help you determine the extent of mods your sons vehicle has.

One other thing, make sure you are not driving it around in 4wd unless you're on slippery or loose surfaces. Not sure how familiar you might be with 4wd systems and operation, but just wanted to point that out in case you didn't know. I've seen plenty of grandmas who simply don't know doing this and wondering why the mileage is so bad and why the tire are wearing badly.

 

[brian2sun]

X2 on the the engine cleaning and tune up. This is what I did and I went from about 10 MPGs before the cleaning to 16 MPGs after. And it's still getting better and better, my last tank I calculated 18!:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...ning-horrible-but-not-any-more-hopefully.html

 

[ramminyota]

To: tdaggett

About the idle at 1200rpm, i had the same issue, even after finding no vacuum leaks, found out over the years the throttle body doesnt close proper and build up allows for air to bypass, my 96 SR5 was at 1500rpm and i cleaned the heck out of it and double sprung it with still no luck, was just worn out i guess, i found another throttlebody with super low miles and it idles at 650 like a kitten now, i have heard from other toyota owners and a good friend who sells a lot of parts, that it is more common than non on the throttle bodys doing this. P.S, i have a cold air as well with no box and yes it is pretty loud, but i like it!!

 

[tdaggett]

All good points. Thanks. We were already way ahead of you on the Seafoan though. 2 cans and 2 tanks of gas, and it's running a little cleaner and we're up to 13-14 mpg now. Going in to the shop on Friday for a tune and vac check/ top end and injector cleaning. Might start looking for a new throttle body though just in case.
And no, it's not in 4wd. Very familiar with that and even at 16 the kid knows too, so he's not driving around in 4H.

Next question. What's a good basic 2 in lift. Don't want to go too high, btu he is 16, and stock is never high enough. It's got 265/75/16 Mud Stars on it and while it doesn't rub, it just looks like it needs an inch or two. Any suggestions?
Thanks
T

 

[Duhockey]

So I just picked up a '99 SR5 Sport for my son. It's in really good shape for its age and 193000 miles, but seems to be down a bit on power and the fuel mileage is low to me (11mpg). Aside from the obvious plugs, filters, oil, tranny fluid replacement, anyone got recommendations of things I can or should do to keep it running another 100 thousand miles?
It's got an aftermarket Injen cold air intake on it that doesnt have a box around the filter end. Isn't there supposed to be a box? You can really hear the intake howling when you get on the gas. It also idles at around 1200 rpm. I assume thats not normal. Any suggestions????

the injen cai is supposed to act like that

New plugs/etc will get it idling around 1k,

what size tires are on it?? thats really important before you spend money on a compression test, we need more info..

edit: reason I say that is cuz if you have the 3.88 gearing like LINY and 33" tires you will get horrible gas mileage...

 

[ramminyota]

All good points. Thanks. We were already way ahead of you on the Seafoan though. 2 cans and 2 tanks of gas, and it's running a little cleaner and we're up to 13-14 mpg now. Going in to the shop on Friday for a tune and vac check/ top end and injector cleaning. Might start looking for a new throttle body though just in case.
And no, it's not in 4wd. Very familiar with that and even at 16 the kid knows too, so he's not driving around in 4H.

Next question. What's a good basic 2 in lift. Don't want to go too high, btu he is 16, and stock is never high enough. It's got 265/75/16 Mud Stars on it and while it doesn't rub, it just looks like it needs an inch or two. Any suggestions?
Thanks
T

You can get some pretty cheap spacer lifts at,

Fat Bob's Garage - Lift Kits, Leveling Kits and More! Truck Suspension and Performance Products.

just look up toyota in the search field.


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